Jackson Free Press

Torenzo Richardson is no stranger to serving the youth of Jackson.

"As a young adult, service means to take on responsibility and show action on whatever is going on that needs assurance," Richardson says. "I use my talents as a great communicator and promoter to reach out to the youths in the neighborhoods and keep them informed on the positive things going on around the Jackson area."

The Jim Hill High School senior has achieved many accolades during his academic career, including the title of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi's State Youth of the Year. Richardson won the award in January of this year and went on to represent the state in the Southeast Regional Youth of the Year Competition in Atlanta in June.

Richardson is interested in sports and fashion, and is involved in several extra-curricular programs, both in school and the community. At the Boys and Girls Club, Richardson proudly serves as a mentor, big brother, tutor and even a counselor to hundreds of children enrolled in the program.

Since 1947, the Boys and Girls Clubs have used the Youth of the Year awards to recognize young people who serve as leaders in their communities, both socially and academically. The winner of the State Youth of the Year title receives a scholarship award of $5,000 and are able to advance to compete in the Regional Youth of the Year competition held in Atlanta.

"This award and recognition has helped me become more of a people's person and has shown me that I have a huge impact on the youth's life," Richardson says. "I have started taking on more responsibilities and have recently become a representative for my senior class."

After graduating from high school, Richardson hopes to attend Mississippi State University, where he plans to major in television broadcasting and eventually become a sports analyst.